CHAMPAIGN – The Illinois soccer team has been holding its breath since a first-round loss in the Big Ten tournament last week threatened to push the Illini out of the NCAA tournament picture.

For the moment anyway, Janet Rayfield's squad can relax. Illinois will play Conference USA champion Memphis (15-4-2) in the first round of this year's national tournament at 4 p.m. Friday in Columbia, Mo.

Former Illinois golfer D.A. Points will return to the PGA Tour in 2009 after finishing in the top 25 on the Nationwide Tour’s money list this season. Points, who played on the PGA Tour in 2005 and 2006 said he hopes to be able to stick around.

“I’ve grown a lot. I have a better understanding of what is going to make me better at my craft,” Points said. “Next year when I’m on the PGA Tour, hopefully I’ll be able to excel, not only to keep my card, but also win and become a great player out there.”